Project Description: Several studies involving rare herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) will be completed during the spring, summer and fall field seasons. Sampling and monitoring will be performed on the following species: Blanding's Turtle, Six-lined Racerunners, Northern Dusky Salamanders, Red-backed Salamanders, and possibly Two-lined Salamanders. A variety of techniques will be used to study these organisms, including but not limited to: pit tagging, radio telemetry, visual encounter surveys, ethogram and mark-recapture with elastomer.

Minimum Student Qualifications: BIO 327; preference will be given to students in the Wildlife Biology Program. Students must have the ability to work under typical field conditions during spring, summer and fall in Michigan. Students must be able to work well with others. Most studies will be completed as part of a team of researchers.